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Volvo‘s popular 850 lineup undergoes numerous significant changes for model-year ’98, which will commence about the time this story appears in print. Just prior to the launch of the C70 coupe and as part of a worldwide nomenclature transition, the 850 sedan becomes the S70 and its wagon counterpart gets renamed V70. Complementing the new monikers are complete interior and exterior revamps, which Volvo says entail nearly 2000 major and minor upgrades, including about 1600 new parts, or about two thirds of the vehicle.

A close perusal of the exterior reveals that only the 850-Series door skins carry over for ’98. Both “S” (for “sedan”) and “V” (for “versatile”) models share a new common nose highlighted by a C70 hood, slimmed-down grille, and new headlamps set off by more aggressively contoured fenders. The windshield rake has been increased by several degrees and the rear quarters, tweaked to appear slightly less boxy, carry new taillights. Helping finish this more sophisticated look, the mirrors and all rub strips are now color-keyed to the exterior. Volvo went beyond mere cosmetics in the program, however, by improving the strength of the B-pillars to enhance side-impact protection.

Inside, the C70 influence is most obvious in the new dash and instrumentation package. Redesigned seats offer deeper bolstering and additional support. The console also benefits from a makeover that leaves it less angular and imparts a smoother, more finished look.

One final area to be reworked was the suspension. While the design remains MacStruts up front paired with Volvo’s unique Delta-link rear underpinnings, the tuning specifics have been changed modestly to give the new S70/V70 models a more compliant ride while preventing excessive body roll.

Powertrains remain carryover, as do the base, GLT, T-5, and R trim designations. However, the GLT now gets a standard 190-horsepower high-torque/low-rev (HTLR) light-pressure turbo variant of Volvo’s 2.4-liter DOHC five-cylinder in place of its previous 168-horse naturally aspirated engine.

Volvo is also playing the name game with its highline 960-Series sedan and wagon, which became the S90 and V90 as of January.

Revealed: New Vw Golf & JettaVolkswagen’s entire lineup is due for major retooling before the end of the century, and these two popular compact models are destined to play a key role in determining the worldwide fortunes of this German automaker. The fourth-generation Golf is likely to appear in Europe as a ’98 model and here as a ’99. Slightly larger and rounder than the current car, both two- and four-door hatch models will clearly maintain strong exterior styling ties but sport updated interior appointments.

Based on the recently introduced Audi A3 platform, this new Golf will be lighter than the generation III car thanks to intensive weight-saving efforts. An expansion of the current modular assembly process also promises to further improve overall build quality while making the car simpler and cheaper to produce. Along with the existing 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 2.8-liter VR6, the Golf’s engine roster will include a new 2.3-liter VR5 variant as well as the direct-injection turbodiesel. All versions will use the torque-steer-taming front suspension setup from the current VR6 package and an all-new rear axle design.

The next Jetta, due worldwide as a ’99, also will share its basic platform with the Audi A3. Like the Golf, it has an evolutionary flavor to its sheetmetal and will offer a choice of four-, five-, and six-cylinder engines. There’s a strong possibility we’ll see the return of a two-door model to the Jetta lineup.

’98 Kia Sportage ConvertibleKia will broaden its U.S. lineup for the ’98 model year with the addition of the Sportage Convertible. Based on the existing four-door model, this open-air two-door variant gets fitted with the same basic mechanicals as its hard-shell platformmate, including the 2.0-liter/130-horsepower DOHC four-cylinder engine, choice of five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmissions, and two- or four-wheel drive.

Kia’s new soft-top variant is 6.4 inches shorter than a regular four-door Sportage, and has an 11.2-inch-shorter wheelbase, at 92.9 inches. The vehicle’s equipment roster was still being finalized at press time. A spokesman, however, did confirm that the 2WD Convertible will be the price leader in the Sportage lineup, which currently starts at $14,930, including destination.